The 26-year old signed a one-year, $1 million deal this past offseason to stay in Washington, and has tallied eight points on four goals and four assists in 54 games this season.

It was originally believed Dmitrij Jaskin would be the one placed on waivers, a team spokesperson even saying as such. However, Smith-Pelly is now on waivers, not Jaskin.

So, Jaskin wasn’t on the ice for practice. A team spokesman said it was because he was going to be placed on waivers. Then DSP left practice early. Not sure what happened, but now it’s DSP, not Jaskin, on waivers. https://t.co/YZWB2Ce2EK

Clearing Smith-Pelly's salary would give the Capitals some extra cap space before the Feb. 25 trade deadline if Washington wishes to acquire another player. Should he clear waivers, the Caps could assign him to the Hershey Bears, their AHL affiliate.

Todd Reirden said Capitals “changed their mind” on who they would waive.